upper cervical blog

If you have never experienced a migraine, it can be extremely difficult to understand as it is so much more than just a headache. In fact, a migraine is not a headache at all. It is a neurological condition that includes a headache as one of its main symptoms. Oddly enough, a migraine is not always accompanied by a headache. Other symptoms that go along with migraines are:

Nausea and vomiting

Sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors

Vertigo or dizziness

Visual disturbances

Extreme fatigue

Nausea and vomiting can be pretty miserable to deal with. Why do they occur with migraines? This is one of the mysteries that continues to plague the medical community when it comes to understanding migraines. Some theories being discussed are that the nausea and vomiting is caused by a migraine-produced brain chemical, trauma, genetics, poor diet, environment, or a number of other reasons. None have been agreed upon as the final cause. More important than the science behind nausea and vomiting and migraines in general, is how to make them stop.

Common Migraine Triggers

​One thing that can help you have fewer migraines has to do with migraine triggers. These are different for each person, but finding out what your personal triggers are and avoiding them can help reduce migraine events. Here is a list of 14 possible triggers:

Stress: This may be an increase or a dramatic decrease in stress. As many as 50 to 80 percent of migraine patients report this to be their trigger. Some feel a migraine coming on after they have dealt with a stressor, while others experience it in the middle of a stressful event.

Not enough sleep or jet lag: This is one of the most common factors connected to migraines. Along with insufficient sleep, too much sleep can also be a problem. Changes in your work schedule, as well as jet lag, can also bring about migraines. If you suffer from insomnia, you may be at a higher risk for not only migraines but anxiety and depression as well.

Food additives: Aspartame, along with other artificial sweeteners, has been known to trigger migraines. An interesting point is that it has also been seen to worsen clinical depression. MSG is another additive that can bring on migraines. It is a flavor enhancer put into savory foods and used a lot in Asian cooking.

Dehydration or hunger: Skipping meals can be dangerous for those suffering from migraines as it may be linked to drops in blood sugar levels. Along with skipping meals, not drinking enough water may lead to a migraine episode. About 40% of people report having migraines when they have not had enough to drink.

Beverages with a lot of caffeine: It is wise to monitor your intake of caffeine from soft drinks, tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as the amount of caffeine in these can bring on a migraine. On the other side of things, not having enough caffeine or withdrawing can also cause migraines. It is also important to be aware that over-the-counter medications can contain caffeine.

Medication overuse: Yes, too much medication taken to alleviate migraines can cause them to come back worse than ever. This is often referred to as a rebound headache. It is a vicious cycle of taking medication to combat migraines to only cause them to occur worse and more often.

Alcohol: This is one of the most common triggers for migraines. In particular, red wine seems to be to blame, and this was more true for women than for men.

Strong or odd odors: Things such as perfume, cigarette smoke, and strong food odors can trigger a migraine or make one worse during an attack. This is known as osmophobia.

Bright lights and loud noises: Bright, flickering lights – even sunlight – can cause a migraine to occur in some people. Sunglasses are vital for those suffering from migraines.

Medications: Certain medications like opioids and butalbital have been seen to be a problem.

Weather changes: Numerous studies have been done that point to such things as days that are sunny and clear, hot, or cold, and changes in weather as being triggers. In particular, it seems like lightning can be linked to migraines, but no one is really sure why.

Hormones: Women have 3 times as many headaches as men. This may be due to hormone fluctuations, as many women get menstrual migraines. Using oral contraceptives and becoming pregnant may also worsen migraine attacks. Some women get relief after menopause.

Physical activity: Intense activity may trigger migraines. As many as 38% of those in a recent study reported this was the case for them, causing many to give up their favorite sport or exercise.

Food: Certain foods can be a huge trigger for some people. Things like alcohol, chocolate, and red wine are often triggers for women but not men. Other foods to avoid are aged cheeses, salami and other processed meats, citrus fruit, MSG, and artificial sweeteners.

​​To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book.

An Underlying Cause For Migraines

Often the root cause of migraines can be linked back to a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck. This type of problem can cause the brainstem to send improper signals to the brain and hinder blood flow. Nerves can also be irritated by this misalignment.

Dr. Grayson Blom is a Boise, Idaho native trained and specializing in the Upper Cervical procedure. Dr. Blom is also one of the few Doctors in the state of Idaho trained and certified in the Upper Cervical procedure. Serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Idaho and the surrounding areas.

To schedule an appointment to determine if you are a candidate for upper cervical care click the button below or call 208-559-0541.